Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has highly commended the Department of State Services (DSS), the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), and other sister security agencies for their exceptional, well-coordinated efforts in securing the Nigerian contingent during the recently concluded 2026 Hajj exercise.

?In a press statement issued on Saturday and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the CSO highlighted the strategic surveillance operations that ensured the safe movement of over 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims both within Nigeria and in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

?"Hajj activities involve massive and complex movements of pilgrims within Nigeria—from their homes to orientation centres, transit camps, and across state lines to reach designated airports. This includes managing boarding and landing operations across more than 14 embarkation points nationwide," the statement noted.

?"The strategic deployment and active participation of discrete, veiled security personnel played a monumental role in ensuring these high-stakes logistics were executed seamlessly and without any major security breaches throughout the 2026 Hajj period."

?This is not the first time the CSO has recognized the efforts of Nigeria's security apparatus. IHR previously presented awards of recognition to the DSS, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), and the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) during its post-Hajj lecture series in 2023, 2024, and 2025 for their consistent dedication to the safety of pilgrims.

?Looking forward, the CSO urged security agencies to maintain their momentum by sustaining rigorous intelligence gathering and strict screening processes for both Hajj and Umrah delegates.

This, IHR noted, is vital to preventing terrorists, fugitives, and other high-risk individuals from exploiting sacred pilgrimage channels to flee the country.

?The organization pointed to the recent successful interception and arrest of security-risk individuals in Katsina State upon their return as a direct testament to the efficacy of current surveillance and inter-agency coordination.

?IHR concluded by calling on all security stakeholders to keep their guard up and sustain the high standard of operation established during the 2026 exercise.